Stormy Kromer: History of a Great American Made Hat

Posted on November 23, 2011 by BradP

Imagine your “real” job is the engineer on a train screaming down the frozen tracks of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. You stick your head out the window to try and get a glimpse of something…of anything. Suddenly, your hat is stolen away by the swift, invisible hand of Njord, god of the wind.

This cruel scenario played out more than once for our hero George “Stormy” Kromer. He would peek his head out of the window on the train engine, and his hat would be stolen away. Stormy knew there had to be a better hat; the fedora design just wasn’t well suited for hanging out of a train engine.

Having been a semi-pro ball player, spending time on more than 30 teams, Stormy was partial to baseball hats. He asked his wife Ida if she could modify his favorite ball cap to help keep it on in the windy weather. She came up with a hat, which incorporated a soft canvas visor with a six-panel design that stayed put in the wind.

The men who worked the railroad with Stormy liked the hat so much they wanted one for themselves. After a very, short time Ida was unable to keep up with demand, she hired a few workers, and in 1903 the company was born. Demand was ever increasing, and in 1919 the Kromers moved production to a facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In 2001, Bob Jacquart, owner of Jacquart Fabric Products purchased the rights to Stormy Kromer caps and the production was moved to Ironwood, Michigan. Today, the company produces more than 50,000 caps annually, in a variety of colors and styles. Of course Stormy Kromer is more than just hats. Stormy Kromer jackets, shirts, and pants are all made right here in the U.S.A.

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

The Voyageur, the Canoe, and the Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket

Posted on November 4, 2011 by BradP

The Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) is the oldest commercial corporation in North America and one of the oldest in the world. Begun under English royal charter in 1670, the Hudson Bay Company made its name and reputation as a fur trader, but today owns and operates retail stores throughout Canada.

The founding of the Hudson Bay Company coincided with the era of the voyageur and the fur trade in North America. These voyageurs were using large canoes to transport 90 pound bales of fur pelts over the trade routes of the Great Lakes and as far west as modern day Manitoba. The typical interior river canoe was 25 feet long, paddled by five or six men, and carried 25 to 30 of the heavy fur bales.

In the 1700’s European demand for fur grew, as did the number of voyageurs and the success of the Hudson Bay Company. The HBC held a near monopoly on the fur trade and employed hundreds of voyageurs that were once independent contractors. At the peak the HBC was trading in an area greater than 3,000,000 square miles, and had 1,500 contract employees.

The Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket was born in the 18^th century as a currency of exchange with First Nation Tribes. The blankets were traded to Native Americans for beaver pelts, buffalo robes, and other goods. The wool blankets were coveted because they were easier to sew than bison hides and retained their ability to hold heat even when wet.

The “points” or small lines stitched into the side of the blanket have led to a common misconception. Many believe that these points denote the number of beaver pelts it would take to trade for a Hudson’s Bay blanket. In truth, these points were sewn into the fabric to denote size of the blanket. On display a merchant would immediately know the size of the blanket without having to unfold it for the customer.

The four colored stripes of the Hudson’s Bay blanket have become a North American icon. Today the blankets are made in England by John Atkinson, with Woolrich Inc. of Pennsylvania holding the official license to import them into the United States. When you see that familiar tag with the red, green, yellow, and indigo stripes you know you are looking at a long and storied history.

Duluth Pack premieres the American Bison Series

Posted on October 20, 2011 by BradP

New, high-quality leather is introduced to Duluth Pack’s venerable line of products.

Introducing the American Bison Series from Duluth Pack. The American Bison Series blends the quality and tradition of Duluth Pack with the rugged luxury of the American West. Beautifully handcrafted of full-grain, premium Bison leather, these bags are both robust and replete with style.

Our craftspeople, which create these pieces, pay significant time and attention to every detail as well as to the elegance of their art. The bags in this series are sewn from full hides, which are soft to the touch and durable for life. Elements such as rolled leather handles, hand-pounded solid copper rivets, and interior linings come together to embody these high-quality bags.

With traditional styling in mind, we have taken seven of our most in-demand leather products and adapted them especially for bison leather. The series includes: the Bison Leather Kit Bag, Bison Leather #100 Purse, Bison Leather Traveler’s Portfolio, the Bison Leather Sportsman’s Tote, Bison Leather Gun Cases, Bison Leather Pistol Rugs, and the Bison Leather Sportsman’s Duffel.

Reminiscent of expeditions across an untamed American West, these pieces will become time-honored adventure gear. Reward yourself with something truly unique from the American Bison Series by Duluth Pack. Made in America, guaranteed for life.

About the American Bison

For hundreds of years the natives of the North American plains relied on the bison for their existence. The bison was hunted to near extinction in the 1870’s, their numbers dwindled to as few as several hundred remaining. A reintroduction of bison to North America began in 1899, and today free-ranging bison in conservation herds number approximately 30,000. For many people living in North America the bison is symbol of strength, stability, and prosperity.

About Duluth Pack

Duluth Pack established in 1882, is dedicated to making quality canoe and camping gear as well as purses, luggage, messenger bags, gun cases, and portfolio bags. These products are manufactured in Duluth, Minnesota, using time-honored techniques. All products manufactured by Duluth Pack offer a Lifetime Guarantee on craftsmanship and hardware.

Women’s fashions for fall

Posted on September 30, 2011 by BradP

The wind is blowing, the leaves are turning color, and it feels like fall here in the north woods. It is time we starting thinking about pulling those warm clothes out of the closet. Better yet, let’s talk about what’s new and looking good for women this fall.

Stormy Kromer Petal Pusher Hat • Good, old Stormy Kromer, his ears would get cold while wearing his baseball hats and steaming down the rail line. His wife, Ida added ear flaps to one of those time-tested hats, and the Stormy Kromer hat was born. The Petal Pusher not only looks good but it’s stitched with the same last-as-long-as-you-will, six-panel-crown-construction as the original Stormy Kromer cap. Made in America.

Filson Women’s Wool Timber Jacket • Like Stormy, C.C. Filson was a railroad man who knocked around Nebraska for a time before he settled in Seattle, Washington. The gold rush came to his neck of the woods in 1897 and C.C’s destiny in wool was forged. This jacket is reminiscent of the original Filson wool jackets designed to protect timber cruisers. Built for warmth, the Timber Jacket is made from Filson’s heavy weight 100% virgin 24-oz. Mackinaw Wool. And, it is as durable as it is good looking. Made in USA.

All-Leather Rucksack • Our comfortable wrap-around Classic Rucksack, redesigned as a women’s backpack/purse. The All Leather Rucksack is made with our luxurious Serengeti leather and has been sized down for everyday use. Take it on the hiking trail with you, to a football game, or wandering around Canal Park. Guaranteed for Life. Made in USA.

Heim Made Minne-Skirt • Here is a great down insulated skirt from right here in Minnesota. Perfect for staying warm while being
active in the winter time; hiking, snowshoeing or skiing. Also great to have with you for those fall football and soccer games when you need just one more layer to curb the chill while you cheer for the hometown team. A “jacket for your behind” as the Heim ladies like to say.

Minnetonka Three Layer Fringe Boot • In 1822, two 17 year old boys paddled up the Minnehaha Creek to make the European discovery of Lake Minnetonka. While we are not sure of their footgear, one thing we are sure of: this Three Layer Fringe boot is going to be a very popular one this fall. Minnetonka likes to say these are “more than just boots, they become a part of you.” Calf high, in natural suedes with a thin rubber sole.

This season is shaping up to be a really nice one for color in the trees of Minnesota. Looking forward to getting out and enjoying some great walks through the woods. Here’s hoping you have a great fall season no matter where your hiking boots may land.

Gear for the canoe pack as the weather gets cooler

Posted on September 7, 2011 by BradP

September is here and the sun is setting noticeably earlier now then it did just six weeks ago. The loons are starting to raft up and have begun consultations in preparation for their move to southern waters. And, over the last few nights there has been somewhat of a chill in the air, fall is on its way.

And while another season is drawing to a close, there will still be some great days and nights on the canoe trail. In anticipation of those chilly nights ahead I would like to share with you a few things you might want to think about adding to the canoe pack to stay warm.

Quicklace Mukluks from Chota are going to be a requirement especially if you have a Kevlar boat. Wet-footing the landings and takeoffs in cold water are much more pleasant in a neoprene boot that protects up to the knee. The boots also provide some much needed support as you climb up and down the Yum Yum portage.

SmartWool PHD socks in the medium weight will be the perfect companions for your Chota Mukluks. These socks are Merino wool, therefore making them extremely soft, very breathable, and odor resistant, even in boots. Additionally, this sock is fully cushioned making long, cold portaging days a little more bearable.

The Duluth Pack Bedroll is an excellent addition to a late season pack headed into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or the Quetico. While many canoe trippers may simply opt to go to a heavier sleeping bag, I would recommend the bedroll to provide some flexibility. In cool weather it can be used outside a bag to provide warmth, and in warm weather you can simply lie on top of the bedroll.

IceBreaker Bodyfit long sleeve tops and matching bottoms in the 260 weight are a must have when tripping late season. During the day the Merino wool breathes and keeps you comfortable no matter what the air temperature. And, at night they keep you warm and toasty, as it gets cool in your tent. IceBreaker is also great for multiple days on trail because Merino is naturally odor resistant.

Cache Lake fry breads are good at anytime of the year, but to have something warm on your stomach can make a cool, fall day much easier. My favorite is the garlic for lunch or dinner, but the cinnamon raisin breakfast bread is a perfect start to the day. Get the pan nice and hot with a little oil, stove works great a fire isn’t necessary, and cook it just like a pancake. Fry breads are easy to make on trail or in camp, add a little syrup if you like.

Great stuff to get in the canoe pack this fall, and enjoy those fall colors while you are out on the water.